Austinist's SXSW Highlight Reel: Thursday

J Mascis by Earfarm

C3 Presents & Playboy’s 10th Annual Late Night Party: Very coveted, extremely well policed, and always prime for a rumor or two, C3’s Playboy Party took place at the warehouse on East 12th and I-35, formerly utilized as Barack Obama’s local campaign headquarters. As we entered, we encountered questions about Mötley Crüe’s impending arrival on stage, but it was all too clear during Bassnectar’s hypnotic set that only one set of legends would perform this evening. Jane’s Addiction had everyone smiling from ear to ear as they tore through classics like “Three Days,” “Been Caught Stealing,” “Mountain Song,” and “Stop.” It was unfortunate (for us) that Dinosaur Jr. was on at exactly the same time at The Mohawk.

The Jagjaguwar + Secretly Canadian + Dead Oceans Showcase: You know you're at a good showcase when the opening act is throwback soulman Richard Swift, and throughout the night at the Mohawk, we found it hard to balance between the indoor and outdoor stages. Julie Doiron (former Eric's Trip and current Mt. Eerie collaborator) cooed her way through an unbelievable set, Bishop Allen rocked and rolled a dancing crowd, South African noise rock specialists BLK JKS demonstrated their well-earned hype and Akron/Family put on as moving a set as they're able in an abbreviated SXSW setting. Undoubtedly, the highlight of the evening came to those patiently waiting for the late night surprise guest: Dinosaur Jr. With little fanfare, J Mascis & Co. (including a surly Lou Barlow) barreled through both new and old material ("Freak Scene", anyone?) and fans were particularly pleased when Broken Social Scene's Kevin Drew took the stage for "The Wagon." -Paige Maguire